The State Department announced Nov. 3 that it had information suggesting that terrorist groups were planning bombings in the Philippines from now through the New Year’s holiday. Americans are urged to exercise special caution in public places, including shopping malls and cemeteries, or when using public transportation. In view of other violent incidents in recent weeks in Manila and the southern island of Mindanao, this announcement should be taken seriously. Philippine authorities have increased security measures in an effort to prevent further attacks.